Playing cards



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PLAYING CARDS Filed Nov. 15. 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet l F/G. A A A g .."nll|u|...

a mud v fXAI. TA T/ON OFPOS TI 0 FALL May 5, 1931,

V. VAIL PLAYING CARDS Filed Nov 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 llllllllllllllllllllllllllllll" lllllllllll IIllllllll |lIIllllllllllllllllllllllll ll IIlllllllllllllllllllllllllll llllllllll gwuentoz May 5, 1931. v. VAIL 1,803,818

I PLAYING CARDS Filed Nov. 15, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 CAPRICDRH 7 Zlwuentoa:

Patented May 5, 1931 UNITED STATES rarest asst-cs VIRGIZE V-AIL, Q F KANSAS CITY, KANSAS PLAYING mans Application filed November 15, 1928. Serial N'o. 319,535.

and 8 card's, the number 1 or ace cards being.

shown 'complete, and only the upper sections of the other cards-being illustrated.

Fig. is a face or plan view of the other portion of the set of cards, including the cards having the numerical rank of 7, 6, 5, 4, andfioards, only the upper sections of these cards being illustratedwith the exception of the number 2 card in the first column which is shown complete.

Fig. '3 'is a diagramn'aati'cal key to the cards and to the astrological significance and relations of the various symbols thereof.

Fig. l is a sector of said key, and

Fig. '5 is a face or plan View of the joker card.

In astrology, twelve signs comprise the zodiac, the northern signs being 1-- -Ar ies,

2 Taurus, 3--Gemi-ni, l Gancer, 5-Leo, (3 Vir'g'o, which are respectii' ely opposite the southern signs T=+Li bra, 8Scor pio, '9-Sagittarius, 10'Cap'1"i'corn, 1l*A'q'uarius, and 12'Pisces.

5Leo,

Air signs are 3Gernini, 7-Libra, and l'l Aq'uarius. I

Water signs are {*0311061' 8-Scorpio, and 12+PisCc-s.

There are twelve other bodies or points in the heavens called planets, namely, Neptune,

Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus,

Me rcury, lllo'on, Dragons Head, Dragon s TailyandEarth.

Each planet is at home at day in one sign and at home at nightin the's'ame or a differen-tsig'n. Each planet is exalted in one sign and has its fall in the opposite sign of the Zodiac from that in which it has its eXalta- "tion;

Upon these astrological fundamentals, the 'c-a rdsof this invention are based, and in association with which certain colors signifying astrological characteristics thereof are employed; in certain markings, red, green, yellow and blue, being the colors for the the, earth, air and water signs respectively and in other markings, red, yellow and blue are the colors of the cardinal, fixed and common signs.

There are fifty-three cards in the deck, of which one is the joker, the use of which is arbitrary and the symbol of which is the embl ein o f' the Caduceus. The other cards are divided into four suits, fire or red; earth or green; air or yellow; and water or blue suits and the cards of these suits all distinguishable by the colors in which the sign symbols are depicted thereon. Each comprises thirteen cards, all of which are serially numbered for convenience here, though some or all of the card numbers may be omitted when players become otherwise familiar with the ranks of the various cards.

graphical key to this invention is illustrated in Fig. 3, and before proceeding with a full description thereof and its application to the make-up of the cards, the markings on one of the sectors will be described in detail. The sector of the sign 10Capricorn will be taken as the example and appears as such in Fig. :4. The reference numeral 2 indicates the name of the sign, 3 the symbol of the sign; 4 the number of the sign which also signifies whether the sign is masculine or feminine; 5

whether the sign belongs to the fire, air, earth or water triplicity; 7 the triplicity color; and 8 the quality color. In the upper part of the sector at the left of the sign appears the symbol of a planet as indicated by 9 and thereabove occurs the name of the planet at 10; while at the right of the sign also appears the symbol of a planet as indicated at 11 and thereabove occurs the name of the planet at 12. The planet at the left of the sign is at home at day in the sign and the planet at the 'right of the sign is at home at night in the sign as is well known in astrology.

The reference numeral 14; designates the planet which is exalted in the sign and 15 the planet which has its fall in the sign.

All of the cards are reversible, except the joker which needs not be, and the cards which are numbered or have the rank from 2 to 13 have 'upper and lower half sections divided centrally by colored bands. The cards founded on the cardinal fixed and common signs respectively have red, yellow and blue bands across them from which the quality of the sign may be determined by a player. The same markings appear in both halves on the front faces of these cards, only in reversed order as in standard playing cards.

Referring to the entire key of Fig. 3, it Will be observed that each of four triangles incloses three signs: one, the three fire signs, 1Aries, 5Leo, 9Sagittarius; another, the three earth signs, 2Taurus, 6Virgo, 1Capricorn; another, the three air signs, 3Gemini, 7 -Libra, 11-Aquarius; and another, the three water signs, 4-Cancer, 8- Scorpio, 12-Pisces. Each of these is known in astrology as a triplicity and the triangles provide the symbols for the 1-Ace cards, the suit colors being those of the respective signs and as stated, the suits may be distinguished by the colors in which the symbols of the signs are depicted on the cards.

In astrology, a sign which is ruled both day and night by the same planet is considered the strongest, there being four, namely;

5Leo, 11-Aquarius, 1Cancer, 10Capricorn, ruled day and night respectivel by the Sun, Uranus, Saturn, and the l\ oon. These are called the greater fire, air, earth, and water signs respectively, and provide the principal markings for the four number 13 cards.

The lesser fire, air, earth and water signs, are' respectively 1Aries, 7Libra, 2 Taurus, 8Scorpio, and they provide the principal markings for the four number 12 cards. In these signs, however, different planets are at home or rule by day and by night. Mars, Venus, Dragons Head and Dragons Tail respectively rule by day and Dragons Tail, Dragons Head, Venus and Mars rule by night.

The remaining or common fire, air, earth and water signs are respectively 9-Sagittarius, 3Gremini, 6Virgo, 12Pisces, and they provide the principal markings for the four number 11. cards. In these signs also, different planets are at home or rule by day and by night. Jupiter, Earth, Mercury and Neptune rule by day, and Neptune, Mercury, Earth and Jupiter rule by night.

The cards numbered 13, 12 and 11 may well be called picture cards, since, when used in playing the games of the standard whist set of cards, they take the order of the picture cards of that set, as will be more fully explained as the description progresses.

A planet,in astrology, is exalted in one sign and has its fall in an opposite sign of the zodiac, a separation of six signs. Thecards numbered 10,9 and 8 are the exaltation cards, the cards numbered 4, 3 and 2 are the fall cards, and intermediate these two groups ocing the opposition sign 11Aquarius. In the air, earth and water suits, the respective signs on the cards bearing these same numbers are 11Aquarius, lO-Capricorn, and 4-Cancer, and the opposition cards 7 in these suits also carry opposition signswhich respectively are 51LQO,TCZIHCGY, and -10Capricorn.

Cards numbered 12, 9,6 and 3 in a suit are based on the same sign with the 6 card also carrying the opposition sign; for example, these cards in the fire suit are based on the sign 1Aries, the opposition card 6 carrying the opposition sign 7Libra. In the air, earth and water suits, the respective signs for cards bearing these same numbers are 7Libra, 2-Taurus and SScorpio, and the opposition cards 6 in these, suits also carry opposition signs 7Libra, 1Aries, and 2-Taurus.

Cards numbered 11, 8, 5 and 2 in a suit are basedon the same sign with the card 5 also carrying the opposition sign; for example,

these cards in the fire suit are based on the sign 9Sagittarius, the opposition card 5 carrying the opposition sign 3Gemini. In the air, earth and water suits, the respective signs are 3Gemini, 6Virgo, and 12 Pisces, and the opposition cards 5 in these suits also carry the opposition signs 9Sagittarius, 12-Pisces, and (i-Virgo.

Thus, it will be observed that in each suit, the same three signs repeat themselves four times; for example, the three fire signs 5- Leo, 1--Aries, and 9Sagittarius, in the fire suit appear in the 13, 12 and 11 cards, again in the 10, 9 and 8 cards, again in the 7, 6 and 5 cards, and finally in the 1, 3 and 2 cards. In a similar manner, the three air signs are repeated inthe air suit, the three earth signs in the earth suit and the three water signs in the the eraltation cares;

water suit. It will also be noted that there is a difference of three between the numbers of the cards in which the same signs appear as the only sign or as the principal si n, as with the sign 5Leo, it occurs in the 13, 10, 7 and ti cards of the fire suit.

Referring to the complete key of Fig. 3, it will be noted that the planets are exalted in the following order; the Sun in 1Aries; the Moon in 2Taurus; Dragons Head inu3 Gemini; the Earth in 4Cancer; Neptune in 5Leo; Mars in 6-Virgo; Saturn in 7- Libra: Uranus in 8Scorpio; Dragons Tail in 9-Sagittarius; Jupiter in 10Capricorn; Mercury in 1l-Aquarius; and Venus in 12- Pisces. The cards numbered 10, 9 and 8 are and in each of these cards the symbol of the exalted planet in each respective sign is placed near the upper left hand corner of each card section.

In the number 10 cards of the fire, air, earth and water suits, the planets exalted in the various signs are respectively, Neptune in 5Leo, Mercury in l1Aquarius, Jupiter in 10-Capricorn, and the Earth in 4.Cancer. In the number 9 cards of the fire, air, earth and water suits, the planets in eXalta tion are respectively, the Sun in l hries,

Saturn in 7Libra, the Moon in 2Taurus,

and Uranus in -8Scorpio. In the number 8 cards of the fire, air, earth and water suits, the planets in exalta-tien are respectively Dragons Tail in 9Sagittarius, Dragons Head in 3-Gemini, Mars in 6Virgo, and Venus in 12Pisces.

It will also be observed that the planets are in their fall six signs away from the exalt-ation, or the opposite side of the zodiac.

The order of fall is: Saturn in 1Aries; Uranus in 2Taurus; Dragons Tail in 3-Gemini; Jupiter in l-Cancer; Mercury in 5Leo; Venus in 6Virgo; the Sun in 7Libra; the Moon in 8Scorpio; Dragens Head in 9Sagittarius; Earth in 10Gapricorn; Neptune in 11Aquarius, and Mars in 12Pisces. The cards numbered 4, 3 and 2 are fall cards, and in each of these cards the symbol of the planet in its fall is placed near the lower left hand corner of each card halfsection. In the number i cards of the fire, air, earth and water suits, the planets have their fall in the following signs respectively: Mercury in 5Leo, Neptune in ll-Aquarius, Earth in 10Capricorn, and Jupiter in 4 Cancer. In the number 3 cards of the fire, air, earth and water suits, the planets have their fall respectively as follows: Saturn in lAries, the Sun in 7Libra, Uranus in 2Taurus, and the Moon in 8Scorpio. In the number 2 cards of the fire, air, earth and water suits, the planets have their fall respectively as follows: Dragons Head in 9Sagittarius, Dragons Tail in 3Gemini, enus in 6Virgo, and Mars in l2Pisces.

The planet and sign symbols of the cards numbered 13 occur in the number 7 cards of the same suit; those of the cards numbered 12 occur in the number 6 cards of the same suit, and those of the number 11 cards occur in the number 5 cards of the same suit, a

difierence of six between the numbers of the complementary cards. These symbols are placed in the upper portion of each half section of the cards.

Previously, in reciting the signs of the number 13, 12 and 11 cards of the four suits, the opposition signs occurring in the number 7, 6 and 5 cards were also pointed out, and it will be noted in the latter cards that fire signs are opposite to air signs and water signs are opposite to earth signs. This is the way they occur in the Zodiac and the same idea or relation is carried out in the cards. The number 7 fire suit card also has beneath the symbols already described as being thereon, the symbols of the planet or planets and the sign of the number 13 air suit card, and in like manner the symbols of the number 13 fire suit card appear on the number 7 air suit card. The same takes place as between the number 13 and 7 cards of the earth and water suits. bols of the number 12 and 6 cards transpose, as do also those of the number 11 and 5 cards.

In the Zodiac, the three fire signs are opposite three air signs and the three earth signs are opposite three water signs, and this relation is carried out in the cards. The opposition fire suit card number 7 bears the symbols of the number 13 fire suit card in the upper portion of each half section, and beneath the same in the lower portion of each halfsection, said number 7 fire suit bears the symbols of the number 13 air suit card, and the same idea is carried out between the same cards of the earth and water suits. The portions referred to as upper and lower are only so when reading the upper half of a card, but since the cards are reversible as to top and bottom, these expressions have been applied to both halves of the cards.

The symbols of the number 12 fire suit card appear in the upper portion of the number 6 fire suit card and in the lower portion of the number 6 air suit card and the symbols of the number 12 air suit card appear not only in the upper portion of the number 6 air suit card, but also in the lower portion of the number 6 fire suit card. This same idea is carried out between the number 12 and 6 cards of the earth and water suits.

The symbols of the number 11 fire suit card appear in the upper portion of the number 5 fire suitcard and the lower portion of the number 5 air suit card, and the symbols of the number 11 air suit card appear not only in the upper portion of the number 5 air suit card, but also in the lower portion of the number 5 fire suit card. This same idea is In similar manner, the sym carried out between the number 11 and 5 cards of the earth and water suits.

There is a difierence of six between the numbers of the cards between which this transposition takes place; for example, the upper symbols of the number 7 fire suit card have their origin in the number 18 card of the same suit, and the lower symbols of the same number 7 card have their origin in the number 13 card of the air suit; and likewise there is a difi'erence of six between the two signs of any opposition card. Also there is a difference of six between the two signs on any opposition card.

This also produces a reversal of the upper and lower planet and sign symbols between opposition cards bearing the same card number in the fire and air suits and also in the earth and water suits, for example.

The exaltation cards which are numbered 10--9 and 8 in each suit, twelve cards in all, show which planets are exalted in the various signs, the symbols of each planet being shown in an elevated position or one near the upper portion of each card half-section.

The fall cards which are numbered l, 3 and 2 in each suit, twelve cards in all, show which planets have their fall in the various signs, the symbol of each planet being shown in a lowered position or one near the lower portion of each card half section.

The sign in which a planet is exalted is opposite the sign in which it has its fall, i. e. a planet exalted in a fire sign has its fall in an air sign, or vice versa, and a planet exalted in an earth sign has its fall in a water sign, or vice versa. This is a difference of between the signs in which a planet is in exaltation or fall, hence by subtracting six from the number of the exaltation card a player may determine the number oi the card showing the planet in its fall and 1f the exaltation is shown in a number 8 card he will know the all is shown in a number 2 card, or by adding six to the fall card number he knows the exaltation card will bear the card number 8; and if the number 8 card is of the fire suit the number 2 card will be of the air suit since in the zodiac fire and air signs are opposite to each other, and th1s works out the same way as between exaltation and fall cards of the earth and water suit.

The symbols of the Zodiac signs are applied to the cards in colors significant of the re spective signs, i. e., the symbols of: the fire signs are all printed red, and those of the a1r, earth and water signs are respectively printed yellow, green and blue.

The symbol of each planet is applied, when practical in a color corresponding to the color of the sign in which the planet is the day ruler, gold being used interchangeably with red, and silver with blue; and when not practical because of its being in a field of the same color, as will be later described, the planet symbol may be applied in black, or black outline.

The cards numbered 13 in the fire and air suits have solid red and yellow fields respectively in their corners, each defined by a quarter-circle, a masculine symbol, causing these cards to be called kings. The number 18 cards in the earth and water suits have each a solid green and blue field respectively, surrounding an uncolored whole circle, which being a feminine symbol causes those cards to be known as queens. The two kings and two queens have the same value, since all have the rank of number 13 cards, this coordination of the kings and queens for playing astrological games being a modernization of the idea of equality of the sexes. In playing games of the whist set of cards with these cards, the kings and queens all take the rank of the kings of the whist set and are used assuch.

' The cards numbered 12 in the fire and air units have red and yellow quarter-circles across their corners respectively, and since these are masculine symbols, these cards are called prince cards. The number 12 cards in the earth and water suits bear green and blue whole circles, and these being feminine symbols, these cards are called princess cards. The prince and princess cards have the same rank since all are number 12 cards, and this is also in keeping with the modern idea of equality of the sexes. In playing the games of the whist set of cards, the prince and princess cards are all usedas queens.

The number 11 cards are all called jacks, and used as such in playing astrological or the games of the whist set of cards. They have solid red, yellow, green or blue fields across their corners in keeping with the respective suits, and it will be noted that since the signs of these cards are all common signs, all have blue bands. 1

Thus it will be seen that the cards are equally adapted to the playing of all the games of the whist set of cards since there are thirteen cards in each suit capable of being used as ace, king, queen, jack and cards numbered 2 to 10 inclusive in playing the games of the whist set of cards, the joker being available when needed.

Numerous astrological and other games may be played with these cards. In one, thirty-six cards are used, numbered 2 to 10 in each suit, and these are divided between either three or four players, in partnership or singly. The three exalted planets or the three fall planets in each suit may capture each other of the same sign. Any of the exaltations or falls must be complete with their opposition before they can be captured. These opposition cards are numbered 5, 6 and 7 and may be used to follow suit, and in following suit, it is not necessary to use the same sign, unless it is the only suit card available. Thus, if a player holds in his hand an eXaltation and a fall in the same sign, he may play one of them and enjoy seeing others follow suit, and perhaps give up the needed opposition card so that he will be able to take it in the next round, or he may first place an opposition on the board so that others in following suit will help supply necessary cards to be taken. Playing is from right to left and continues around regardless of who takes the cards, and there are no trumps, as the exaltations and falls must be complete with the opposition of the same sign to be taken from the board. It is not necessary to wait until all have played before taking a trick. As soon as the necessary card is played, the player takes it; three cards each time. If a player cannot follow suit, he may start a second suit, all cards remaining on the table until all, or a portion of them are taken oil by the exaltation or fall cards. Thus it is possible to have several uncompleted rings on the table at a time, waiting for some missing card, as it is necessary that the three signs of each suit be complete with their exaltation, opposition and fall, before being removed from the board. If there are two suits on the board at the same time, a player may play into either of them, whichever is to his advantage, and if he cannot follow suit for either of them, he may start a third suit, making it convenient for the other players to play into any of them. In this way, there may be several rings on the table and as a player can only play into one ring or suit at a time, he will be obliged to sacrifice other good plays. The winner is the one who captures the most cards.

In another game, all the cards excepting the joker are used, there being opposing sides called Republican and Democrat, the fire and water signs representing one party and the air and earth signs the other. Fire signs are in opposition to air signs, both being masculine signs, and water signs are in opposition to earth signs, both of these signs being feminine. One side aims to capture the most fire and water cards, and the other side the most earth and air cards. The kings are called presidential candidates and the queens their wives. Aquarius is one candidate, and his wife is Capricorn. The Sun will be the other candidate and his wife will be Cancer. Then the presidential candidate and his wife,- together with their personal representatives, cards numbered l, 7 and 10, are major trumps. This will result in each side having a different set of trumps, but either side may use the other trumps, it they possess them. Vicepresidential candidates will be the prince and princess cards; vice-presidential candidates being Aries and Libra; their wives being Scorpio and Taurus. Then, the vice-presidential candidates and their wives, together with their personal representatives, cards numbered 3, 6 and 9, are minor trumps. Party cards will be the jacks, Gemini and Virgo. belonging to. the air andearth group, and, Sagittarius and Pi ces belonging to the fire, and water group, and they, with their representatives 2, 5 and 8 cards have no value as trumps, except smaller numbers or their own or opponents party cards. Each side tries'to build up the largest party, retain or capture their own presidential candidate and wife or vice-presidential candidate and wife, and both jacks of their own party, together with as many of their own party cards as possible. This is a partnership game, as. stated, and thirteen cards are dealt to each player. Bidding is done after the cards are dealt; that is, it is decided as to which side will choose fire and water or air and earth by the highest bid in either, the highest. bidder choosing his own signs. Bidder does not disclose what elements he is bidding on until his bid is accepted. Or, in case of no bidding, the side may be determined by drawing cards. When the President is chosen, the Vice-President. and party cards belong to the same elements, either fire and water or earth and air. The old: rule of following suit or trumpingshould be followed, but trumps do not consistot a certain suit of cards, changing each time, but they are always the same, as follows: suits of fire and. water are always trumps for one side. Suits of air and earth are always trumps for the other side, but either side may use the others trumps for a purpose if. they possess them.- Cards numbered 13, 10, 7 and 4: are major trumps: 12, 9, 6- and'3 are minor trumps; and 11, 8, 5: and 2 are lesser trumps. The ace has the highest value, being supreme trumps, of either its own or opposing suit at all times. There are, therefore, eight major, eight lesser trumps, and twoaces for each side. Major trumps may capture major trumps of lower card numbers in their own sign, or opposing suit; also all minor trumps in their own, or opposing suit; also all lesser trumps in their own, or opposi suit. Minor trumps may capture minor trumps of lower numbers 1n their own, or opposing suit; also all lesser trumps in their own, or opposing suit. Lesser trumps may capture lesser trumps of lower numbers in their own, or opposing suit. .In case opposing players trump the same trick with cards of equal trump value, the last player must withdraw his card, or forfeit it in. all cases, the highest card takes the'trick, and that player leads for the next play. According to the above values, cards.

numbered 3, being representative of the Vice.

President and wifecan trump card numbered 8 of their own and opposing suits, and card numbered 4: can trump cards numbered 8 and 9 of their own and opposing suit-s; fire and air being opposing, the water and earth being opposing signs, so that each trump is only active in two suits. Card numbers are referred to here for purpose of description only, and in playing this game, only the signs, exaltations, oppositions and falls are employed. Should cards of all suits appear on the board at the same time, the highest card of earth or Water takes the trick, inasmuch as it is courtesy for the masculine cards to give Way to the feminine cards. This is only in case there is no masculine cards of higher value on the board. The masculine gives Way to the feminine only when of equal value. Cards numbered 4 and 7 are of higher value than cards numbered 6, 8 or 9, and card number 3 is higher than cards numbered 5 or 8. The points of the bidders side are counted Ace zero; presidential candidate and wife 30 points each; vice-presidential candidate and wife 20 points each; party cards 10 points each; number 10 card 10 points; all other party cards of own partv 1 point each, making a. total of 156 possible points, with opponent scoring no points.

l/Vhat is claimed 1. A set of playing cards embracing four suits each based on an astrological triplicity and each suit including groups of three cards each, each of the cards in each group of the same suit having depicted thereon the symbol of a different one of the signs of the same astrological triplicity, and the corresponding cards of the other suits having depicted thereon in a similar manner the symbols of the signs of other astrological triplicities but of a different triplicity for each suit, cards in the various groups having depicted thereon symbols of various astrological planets in astro logical relation to the various signs to indicate the relative values of the cards.

2. A set of playing cards embracing four suits each based on an astrological triplicity and each suit including groups of three cards each, each of the cards in each group of the same suit having depicted thereon the symbol of a different one of the signs of the same astrological triplicity, and the corresponding cards of the other suits having depicted thereon in a similar manner the symbols of the signs of other astrological triplicities but of a different triplicity for each suit, each of the cards in one group of each suit also having depicted thereon the same symbol'that is depicted on a corresponding card in one of the other suits, cards in the various groups also having depicted thereon symbols of various astrological planets in astrological relation to the various signs to indicate the relative values of the cards.

In testimony whereof I affix my 'signature.

VIRGIE vAIL. 

